New training programme launched to help tech workers land a job in banks

Up to 100 tech workers are expected to complete this programme, with the opportunity to be hired by OCBC Bank.

IT workers can better prepare themselves for a tech-related job in banks through the new training programme offered by OCBC Bank, the Tech Talent Assembly (TTAB) and the Banking and Financial Services Union (BFSU).

The training curriculum will cover various technology modules, including DevOps, full-stack development, data engineering and blockchain. It will also equip participants with a better understanding of the banking industry and the application of those technologies.

Additionally, participants will further explore the development of certifications on competency assessments as part of the training outcomes, especially with the rise of online self-directed learning, where certifications may not necessarily be available.

Up to 100 workers are expected to complete this programme, with the opportunity to be hired by OCBC Bank.

“At the speed at which technology disrupts, and given that technology skills are always evolving, close collaboration between the industry and the training providers helps enhance the matching of skills and job requirements, leading to better outcomes for both the employers and the employees. This is also in line with OCBC Bank’s efforts to invest in accelerating digitalisation and transformation for operational and business excellence,” says Praveen Raina, head of Group Operations and Technology at OCBC Bank.

This new programme is in line with the government’s goal to strengthen the training and placement ecosystem with the newly-announced Jobs-Skills Integrator initiative at the Singapore Budget 2023.

“Singapore needs many tech talents if we are to compete in the digital world. By establishing the relevant competencies and certifications, we aim to help technology workers and mid-careerists navigate and be the compass for them,” says the president of TTAB Ng Tiong Gee.

Recommendations to help Singaporeans thrive in ICT 

Changes in job tasks due to market conditions and digital transformation efforts have led to a consistent skills gap in the market, according to the Trends, Jobs and Skills for ICT Professionals study by National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Strategy, TTAB, and NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB)

The top three skills mismatch between market demand and supply of skills include cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection (75%),  cloud, IT Infrastructure and Support (58%), and enterprise risk management and business continuity (56%).

To narrow the skills gap, the report recommends the following to promote a sustainable employment cycle:

• Tap on the resources and expertise of the veteran ICT professionals

• Identify higher-value tech job roles for local mid-careerists

• Leverage company training outside of organisations

• Recognise skills acquired through non-formal and informal learning, including micro-credentials

• Use a consortium approach to enable SMEs to scale up training for ICT professionals

• Promote the formulation of Special Interest Groups that enable the exchange of skills and knowledge

• Take a skills-based approach to hiring and developing talent

• Offer apprenticeship-by degrees

• Facilitate the development of overseas experience of ICT professionals

• Protect remote ICT professionals by developing a set of strategies and principles that can be used to advance remote workers’ rights beyond geographical boundaries.

“With a better understanding of the developing ICT landscape, multi-stakeholders must synergise efforts to implement strategies to tackle the gaps. By investing in our human capital through facilitated employment and training, it will enable workers to gain competitive skills and have fairer access to better job outcomes. Together, we can shape a more reliable and productive labour force in Singapore,” says Patrick Tay, NTUC’s assistant secretary-general and director of Strategy.

Skills and demands mismatch infographic

Infographic: Trends, Jobs and Skills for ICT Professionals study by NTUC Strategy, TTAB, and NTUC LHUB. 

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